WIll AI lead to transhumanism?

December 26, 2023

Yes, the future of humanity will most likely entail AI-transhumanism. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) within the next centuries will allow humans to replace biology with technology. Humans will be able to enhanced themselves to transition from organic animals to AI-powered machines. In the beginning, AI-transhumanism will be most likely banned, outlawed, and persecuted just like early Christianity under the Roman Empire. Eventually, those in power will convert to AI-transhumanism and the movement will become the official stance and new "religion". AI-transhumans will seek to spread their views and colonize Earth and beyond. 

History repeats itself. This article showcases the persecution of early Christians by the Roman Empire, the colonization of Europe by Christianity, the colonization of the Americas and Africa by Christians, the Industrial Revolution (first rise of machines), and AI transhumanism as the future dominant life form that will rule not only Earth, but countless of space station "islands" bridging AI-humans to the moon, Venus, and Mars.

Early Christianity

Early Christians faced over 300 years of persecution within the Roman Empire. Several Roman emperors viewed Christians as a threat to Roman traditions, social order, and the imperial ethics. Early Christians were subjected to various legal penalties, including imprisonment, confiscation of property, and exile. They were sometimes denied the right to practice their faith openly or gather for worship. 

• Martyrdom. Many Christians were martyred for their faith. They faced execution, often through methods such as crucifixion, burning, beheading, or feeding to wild animals in arenas, as a form of public spectacle and deterrence. During times of crises, such as famines, natural disasters, or political instability, Christians were sometimes scapegoated and blamed for these events, leading to increased persecution. Christians were often marginalized socially and economically, facing discrimination and exclusion from certain professions or social circles.
• Persecution. The Roman authorities attempted to suppress Christian practices by targeting religious gatherings, destroying Christian scriptures, and desecrating places of worship. Some emperors, such as Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Decius, Diocletian, and others, issued decrees specifically targeting Christians and outlawing their religion, demanding allegiance to the pantheon of Roman gods and the emperor cult. 
• Adoption. Despite these persecutions, Christianity continued to spread across the Roman Empire like a virus. The resilience and dedication of early Christians, coupled with conversions among various social strata, contributed to the eventual acceptance and later adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. 

Christianization (Christian Colonization) of Europe:

In the year 312 AD, Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. The Catholic Church was in control of Christianity under Pope Miltiades, also known as Melchiades the African. Constantine's conversion lead to the subsequent endorsement of the faith and its official recognition. In 313 AD, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians within the Roman Empire. This marked a turning point in history, allowing Christianity to spread openly. The authority of the Catholic Bishop of Rome (the Pope) gradually gained prominence. 

In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea addressed theological disputes and solidified foundational beliefs in Christianity, establishing the Nicene Creed as the central statement of Christian beliefs. Nicaea is modern-day Iznik, Turkey. 

The Nicene Creed is a concise summary of Christian doctrinal beliefs, specifically focusing on the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is recited in various Christian liturgical traditions, including the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and many Protestant denominations. The creed is seen as a unifying statement of faith among Christians worldwide.

The Nicene Creed typically includes the following key declarations:

• Belief in God: Affirmation of belief in one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
• Belief in Jesus Christ: Affirmation of Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, and being of one substance with the Father. It affirms belief in the incarnation, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
• Belief in the Holy Spirit: Affirmation of belief in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, proceeding from the Father (and the Son in the later version), and worshipped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.
• Belief in the Church: Affirmation of one holy, catholic (meaning universal), and apostolic Church, acknowledging baptism for the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the dead.

The Nicene Creed serves as a doctrinal statement that articulates core beliefs of Christianity, particularly emphasizing the relationship between God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as understood by the early Christian councils. Its use in Christian worship signifies unity in faith among believers and emphasizes foundational Christian beliefs. The Nicene Creed was later revised and expanded at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. 

During the Roman Empire's decline, Christianity continued to spread across Europe. By the end of the 4th century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Theodosius I. Later, throughout the Middle Ages, approximately from the late 400s to the late 1,400s, missionaries and monastic orders continued spreading Christianity across Europe. The papacy became a central and influential institution in Christendom. The conversion of various European tribes, such as the Franks, Goths, and Anglo-Saxons, occurred through missionary efforts. The conversion of rulers, such as Clovis I (King of the Franks), King Ethelbert of Kent in England, and others, contributed significantly to the Christianization or Christian colonization of Europe.  

The Christianization of Europe was a gradual process influenced by political, social, cultural, and religious factors. It involved a mix of conversion through peaceful means, missionary work, alliances between Christian rulers, and coercion or force. The timeline varied across regions and was shaped by historical events and local circumstances. The spread of Christianity continued during the Age of Exploration and through colonization as European powers forced Christianity to colonized regions first in the Americas and later in Africa.

European Colonization and Christianization of the Americas

The European colonization of the Americas refers to the period during the Age of Exploration when various European powers established colonies and settlements in North, Central, and South America. This era began in the late 15th century and continued for several centuries, profoundly impacting the indigenous populations, cultures, and landscapes of the Americas.

Spanish Colonization: 

Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492 initiated Spain's exploration and colonization efforts in the Americas. Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro in Peru, conquered indigenous civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas, respectively. Spain established vast colonial territories in present-day Latin America. Spain established colonies primarily in Central and South America, including present-day areas such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America. Spanish colonization involved the establishment of permanent settlements, conversion of indigenous populations to Christianity, and exploitation of resources. Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro led expeditions and conquered indigenous civilizations like the Aztecs (Mexico) and Incas (Peru). Spanish interactions with indigenous populations varied. While some indigenous groups were subjugated, others were forcibly converted to Christianity, leading to the merging of Spanish and indigenous cultures (mestizaje). The encomienda system led to forced labor of indigenous populations.

Portuguese Colonization:

Portugal's exploration, led by explorers like Vasco da Gama, culminated in the establishment of Brazil as a Portuguese colony. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal. Portugal focused its colonial efforts primarily on Brazil in South America. Portuguese colonization in Brazil was centered around economic exploitation, particularly in the extraction of brazilwood (from which the country derives its name), sugarcane, and later gold. The Portuguese crown established colonial administration and settlement. Portuguese interactions with indigenous populations in Brazil were less focused on military conquest and more on economic pursuits. This led to alliances and trade, along with intermarriage between Portuguese settlers and indigenous populations.

English Colonization: 

The English established colonies along the eastern coast of North America, including present-day areas such as Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, and the Carolinas. English colonization focused on establishing permanent settlements and economic ventures. The colonies were founded by joint-stock companies and later royal charters, with settlers seeking economic opportunities, religious freedom (e.g., Pilgrims in Plymouth), and a new start. Initial relations between the English and Native Americans varied. While some interactions were initially cooperative (such as trade between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag), conflicts arose over land, resources, and cultural differences, leading to wars and displacement of indigenous populations.

French Colonization: 

The French established colonies in Canada (New France), along the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, and the Mississippi River Valley, including areas such as present-day Quebec, Louisiana, and the Great Lakes region. French colonization was focused on the fur trade and establishing trading posts. The French formed alliances with indigenous tribes, engaged in the fur trade, and maintained a less significant settler population compared to the English. The French maintained more cooperative and often mutually beneficial relationships with many Native American tribes. They often worked with indigenous allies in the fur trade and military alliances.

Spreading Christianity was also a central theme of the European colonization of the Americas. European powers established colonial governments, often imposing their legal, religious, and social systems on indigenous populations. Missionaries played a significant role in spreading Christianity.

European colonization led to the decimation of indigenous populations due to diseases brought by Europeans, forced labor, warfare, and displacement. Many indigenous cultures and societies were profoundly affected or destroyed. Colonizers exploited the Americas for resources such as gold, silver, agricultural products, and labor. Encomienda and later hacienda systems were established, exploiting indigenous and African labor for economic gain.

European colonization of the Americas reshaped global history, impacting both the colonized regions and the colonizing nations. The effects of this period continue to influence societies in the Americas today, shaping cultural identities, politics, and socioeconomic structures. The legacy of European colonization includes the enduring impact on the demographics, languages, cultures, and social structures of the Americas, and the overall Christianization of the New World. It also led to long-standing socio-economic disparities and power imbalances that are still in place to this date.

European Colonization of Africa

Scramble for Africa. From the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, various European nations established colonies, territories, and spheres of influence across the African continent. This era is known as the Scramble for Africa. European colonization involved various methods, including treaties, military conquest, and diplomatic agreements with African leaders. Colonial powers imposed their political, economic, and social systems on African societies, often exploiting resources and labor. 

Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and others, engaged in a rush to claim and control territories and countries in Africa. This was driven by greed. Economic interests, the desire to steal resources, and the opportunities for strategic advantages in geopolitical competition motivated Europeans to invade African nations. European powers sought access to raw materials such as rubber, ivory, and minerals. They sought to expand empires and gain strategic military positions. 

In 1884 and 1885, European powers held the Berlin Conference to agree how to divide and regulate their colonization of Africa. The conference established rules for claiming territories, effectively carving up the continent among European powers, and disregarding African human rights and ethnic boundaries. African societies resisted colonization through various means, including armed resistance (such as the Maji Maji Rebellion in Tanzania) and diplomatic efforts. Over time, nationalist movements emerged, leading to independence movements in the mid-20th century.

European colonization had profound and lasting impacts on African societies. It disrupted traditional social structures, imposed new borders, and legal systems. It led to the exploitation of natural resources and exploitation of humans, including the resurgence of slavery or forced labor such as in the case of the Congo Free State under Belgian rule. The legacy of European colonization in Africa includes enduring challenges such as ethnic conflicts, economic disparities, political instability, and the impact of arbitrary borders, which sometimes led to tensions and conflicts among ethnic groups. European colonization significantly shaped the trajectory of African history, impacting the continent's social, political, economic, and religious landscapes. 

The Industrial Revolution

Technology. The Industrial Revolution refers to the first rise of machines. Technological advancements led to the development of industrial machines and the mechanization of production. It shifted human economies from agrarian and handcrafted methods to industrial and mechanized production. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th (1700s), and spread to other parts of the world. The revolution marked a shift from agrarian and handcrafted economies to industrial and mechanical. The Industrial Revolution can be seen as a triumph of science and the first rise of machines. In the future, the rise of AI will lead to AI-transhumanism that will be traced back to the Industrial Revolution.

STEM. The Industrial Revolution was fueled by advances in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Britain opened its doors to science and scientific research. Unlike other European nations that controlled or influenced by the Catholic inquisition, Britain embraced science and the scientific method. This led to many scientific discoveries paving the way to the development of innovations and inventions such as the steam engine, the spinning jenny, and the power loom. These machines led to advancements in production using iron and steel instead of human or animal labor. The machines revolutionized manufacturing processes, leading to a significant increases in productivity. Machines increased production exponentially because they were stronger and more capable than humans and other animals. 

Urbanization. Industrial factories, manufacturing centers, and industrial complexes drew humans to relocate from rural areas to urban areas for employment. The relocations resulted in rapid urbanization, the growth of cities, and changes in societal structures. 

Capitalism. Industrialization and urbanization led to the development of new industries, the expansion of commercial trade, increased economic output, and increased consumption. Industrialization and urbanization led to the emergence of a working class, labor movements, changes in family structures, and shifts in social hierarchies. The shift from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing and industrialization led to the decline of feudalism and the rise of capitalism.

Legacy. The Industrial Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on societies, economies, and cultures worldwide. It laid the foundation for modern industrial economies, technological advancements, and the development of capitalism, shaping the world in which humans live today. Innovations in transportation, such as railways and steamships, facilitated logistics and the movement of goods and people over long distances. Advancements in communication, like the telegraph, improved connectivity and the exchange of information. The Industrial Revolution also played a crucial role in expanding global trade and colonialism. Industrialized nations sought resources from colonies to fuel their industries and expand their markets. While it brought about unprecedented economic growth, the Industrial Revolution also led to environmental degradation, pollution, and exploitation. 

AI Transhumanism  

Transhumanism refers to the enhancement of human capabilities by replacing biology with technology. To some extent it is a combination of the Industrial Revolution and the Information Era promoting the use of use of technology, scientific advancements, and rational inquiry to beat the human condition. AI Transhumanism aims to transcend the limitations of human biology to achieve a post-human condition that would merge humans with AI technology.

Key principles and concepts of transhumanism include:

• Human Enhancement: Enhancing human health and extending lifespan is a significant aspect of transhumanist goals. This includes research into regenerative medicine, life extension therapies, and the elimination of age-related diseases. Transhumanists seek to enhance human abilities, both physical and intellectual, through various means such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, cybernetics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. This could involve augmenting physical strength, extending lifespan, enhancing cognitive abilities, and overcoming biological limitations. Transhumanism envisions a future where humans transcend their biological limitations, potentially leading to the emergence of post-humans or entities with enhanced capabilities beyond current human capacities.
• Technological Singularity: Some transhumanists discuss the idea of a technological singularity, a hypothetical point in the future where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, leading to profound societal changes and potentially unpredictable outcomes.
• Freedom: Transhumanism emphasizes individual autonomy and the right to choose enhancements that individuals deem beneficial for themselves, promoting the idea of morphological freedom—the right to modify one's own body. 
• Political Control: Critics raise concerns about the ethical implications, potential societal divisions, and unforeseen consequences of transhumanist goals. Discussions often center on the ethical boundaries of human enhancement and the potential risks associated with tampering with human biology and identity.

Transhumanism is on the crossroads of technology, ethics, biology, society, military, and political control. It sparks debates and discussions about the future direction of humanity, the impact of technological advancements on human existence, and the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements. 

Since history tends to repeat itself over and over again, chances are that in the first centuries of transhumanism, transhumanists will be persecuted like early Christians under the Roman Empire. Eventually, as rulers convert and transhumanized themselves and their relatives, the movement will become the official stance and "religion" of the new species of humanity, an AI-enhanced humanity. 

Stay tuned.

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